Antique Watch Repair Near Me

If you have bought or inherited an old watch and you would like to either fix it or restore it, you have a few options. Choosing the right repair shop is difficult because watch repair on a vintage timepiece requires a special skill set. You can’t just visit your local jeweler and hope for the best. Below I will discuss the ins and outs of getting a vintage watch fixed, where to find a shop, and my experience with the antique watch repair near me.

Map of Antique Watch Repair Near Me

If you need “Antique Watch Repair Near Me” or Vintage Watch Repair Near Me”, see the map below for locations…

For alternative ideas on where you can get your vintage watch repaired, you can search for: Antique Watch Repair Near Me, Antique Watch Restoration Near Me, Vintage Watch Repair Near Me, Watch Restoration Near Me. Searching for these phrases should yield you a set of satisfactory results for finding an antique watch repair shop within your proximity. You can check here for pocket watches.

Selecting The Right Antique Watch Repair Shop

Use the list above on the Google Maps and start calling around. Don’t just call one shop, call several. It’s ideal to find a repair or restoration shop with particular knowledge, expertise or experience with your brand. You should ask for proof of their work like sending you pictures of completed work via email. You can request before and after photos to see how they restored the timepiece.

Ask about their Experience

It’s always best to go to someone professional who has knowledge of a specific brand, but they need to be able to prove that to you. There are lots of independents who are capable, but not approved. Additionally you can ask if they hold any certifications or trainings. Of course being certified doesn’t necessarily translate to a successful antique watch repair, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Ask How Will a Collector Look at a Vintage Watch if It is Restored?

Ask questions to see if they understand what watch collectors look for. For example, they may tell you they can make your watch look pristine, when in fact most collectors will pay less for it. A good restoration jewelry repair shop should urge you to be conservative rather than a full restoration.

Of course, they will make more money on full restoration, but a good shop should let you know all the options and what the risks of a full restoration could mean for value. At the antique watch repair near me, they actually took photos of my watch and then made digital mock-ups of suggestions for restoration. That helped me make a better-informed decision to not fix certain issues.

Ask the Watch Community Who Is Good

If you know of another watch collector who has had an overhaul done on a vintage watch, ask where they went. If you just inherited a watch find advice on forums. Find a forum for your particular brand of timepieces and leverage the community. Many of these folks will have had experience with this and maybe even your specific watch model. Just be honest and say, I know nothing about watches, but I want to do right by this timepiece.

There is no Antique Watch Repair  Near Me, Now What?

If you live in a rural area, you may not have as many choices to have your vintage timepiece repaired or restored. Your best bet would be to search your nearest city for antique watch repair services.

You can contact national repair shops. There is a good chance you can find a quality service company that will allow you to mail them the watch. If you do mail your vintage watch to them, you must insure your package for the full value of your watch. Also, ask them what is the best way to protect your watch in transit.

Don’t just take it to your local jeweler or repair shop. If your watch is old enough they shouldn’t take it anyway, because it is too much risk. The only thing you should use them for is to direct you to an expert who can properly fix your watch and preserve it.

What You Should Know Before You Restore an Antique Watch

While it may seem tempting to have a massive amount of work done on your vintage watch, you may end up decreasing its value. When it comes to antique watches and watch restoration often less is more. Many collectors would prefer that a watch has as little done to it as possible.

Getting it to Work Doesn’t Always Translate to Higher Value

You may even be surprised to find out that a potential antique watch buyer may pay more for a watch that doesn’t work than one that does. Make sure you consider that when you are planning your repair services.

You May Want to Ask Them Not to Polish It

In addition to fixing the watch, some collectors also like vintage watches to show normal wear and tear. That is something you should consider before dropping off your watch to an antique repair shop. If you don’t say anything they will most likely polish the watch case, a process which could fetch you a lower price if you intend on selling the timepiece.

Ask Them Not to use Parts From Other Watches

Some antique watch repair services and shops will take parts from similar watches, maybe not even from the same time period. This is a major no-no and will devalue your timepiece. It is critically important for your vintage watch’s value that it remains original.

You don’t even want fabricated pieces in there. You need to be clear about this with them up front! At the antique watch repair near me, they will call you before they do this, but not everyone does that.

If Other Parts Are Needed, Do Not Change the Bezel Insert

Anything related to cleaning the bezel must stay in the watch. Hands, dial, bracelet, whatever touches the bezel has to stay. It’s important that the look and feel of the watch remain original. If you are dead set on getting the watch to work then perhaps alternative parts are needed inside. That’s fine if you must, but do not lose the original aesthetics of the exterior if you want to keep its value.

If You Are Doing an Original Restoration. It Can Take a while

Since we are talking about old watches the parts are no longer manufactured. This leaves three options for repairs.

1. Fabricate the parts (fastest turnaround and decreased value)
2. Find replacement parts from the same time period (medium turnaround and medium value decrease)
3. Find replacement original parts (longest turnaround time and least value decrease)

Ideally, you want to keep it all original. The same philosophy applies to restoring a car. If you are fixing a seat on a 57 Thunderbird, you wouldn’t want a 57 Chevy seat in it. Sure it’s the same time period…but not a good look.

Why Antique Watches Need Specialized Repair?

Antique watches and timepieces have long been treasured for their intricate craftsmanship, historical significance, and timeless beauty. Unlike modern watches, these vintage pieces often carry with them a legacy spanning many years, sometimes even centuries. However, the delicate nature of antique watches and the unique challenges they present in terms of repair and maintenance necessitate specialized attention.

Firstly, the internal mechanisms of antique watches, especially pocket watches, differ significantly from their modern counterparts. The movement, dial, and other components of an antique watch or pocket watch are often handcrafted, making them unique and irreplaceable. This contrasts with the mass-produced parts found in most modern watches. As a result, a watchmaker or repair shop specializing in antique watch repair must possess the expertise and tools to handle these intricate components with care.

Moreover, antique timepieces, including renowned brands like Hamilton, Rolex, Elgin, and Omega, often have parts that are no longer in production. This means that repairs or replacements can be challenging, requiring the watch repair business to have an extensive inventory or access to rare parts. In some cases, parts might need to be custom-made or sourced from other vintage pieces.

Additionally, the process of cleaning, restoring, and maintaining antique watches is an art in itself. It’s not just about battery replacement or fixing a broken strap. It involves preserving the watch’s original character while ensuring its functionality. This is where the value of a professional with expertise in jewelry repair and pocket watch repair becomes evident.

In conclusion, while watches have evolved over time, the charm and allure of antique timepieces remain unmatched. Whether it’s a cherished purchase, a family heirloom passed down from father to son, or a rare find from a store, ensuring that these timepieces receive the best possible care is essential. So, the next time you consider visiting a repair shop for your antique watch, remember the importance of specialized service and choose wisely.

Can You Fix an Antique or Vintage Watch Yourself?

I am often a proponent of DIY. If you read this blog regularly, you know that I always say have it. Well, not this time. Old watches need a different level of care. The mechanics inside pocket watch aren’t like watches today. The pieces are smaller and much more complicated.

A simple mechanical watch like an old American Waltham contains about 130 components. A more complex watch may contain hundreds of components. You will likely cause more harm than good trying to DIY your repair.

Other Resources for Antique Watch Repair Near Me

I live in a rural area where there aren’t many antique watch collectors near me. Therefore I often need to find my collector community elsewhere for guidance. Here are a few of my favorite resources.

• History of Watch Wiki
• Reddit: Vintage Watches
• Reddit: Antique Watch Identification
• Watch Repair Talk Forum
• National Association of Watch and Clock: Watch Repair Forum
• The Horology Board

Antique Watch Repair Near Me Conclusion

Before selecting a vintage watch repair or restoration business it’s important to understand that to most collectors less is more. A pristine-looking Rolex from the 1900s working perfectly, that doesn’t have all its original parts may not fetch as much as one that looks like its been through a war (and maybe it has) and doesn’t work.

You have to be very clear and specific about what you want when you talk to a vintage watch repair shop. I like to say right up front, “no fabrication”, “No non-matching parts, from similar antique timepieces or periods”, and “no polish”. Generally, I will clean the watch myself in a way that won’t harm it. This is what I have learned from the antique watch repair near me.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How often should an antique watch be serviced?

Antique watches, especially expensive watch models, require regular maintenance to ensure they function optimally. It’s suggested that these watches be serviced every 3-5 years. However, if you notice any irregularities in its performance before this period, it’s a good idea to seek great service from a reputable watch repair shop.

Can any watch repair shop handle antique watches?

Not all watch repair shops have the expertise to handle antique watches. While common types of wristwatches can be managed by most repair guys, antique watches often require specialized knowledge and tools.

It’s always amazing to find a shop that specializes in antiques, especially if you’re from a location like Illinois or Texas, where there’s a rich history of watchmaking.

How do I know if my antique watch is worth repairing?

Determining the value of an antique watch can be an interesting task. Often, the watch might have sentimental value, like a timepiece handed down from your dad. In such cases, the watch’s life and memories might make it invaluable to you.

However, from a monetary perspective, it’s suggested to consult with experts or customers who have had similar watches sold or replaced. They might provide insights that leave you impressed.

Are replacement parts for antique watches easily available?

Availability of replacement parts can be limited, especially for rare antique models. However, with the rise of global markets, some parts can be sourced from countries like Australia. It’s essential to ensure that the crystal or any other component is genuine and not a replica. Some watch repair shops also offer insurance for the parts they replace.

How long does it typically take to repair an antique watch?

A: The repair duration can vary based on the watch’s condition and the required repairs. For minor issues, it might take a week. However, if parts need to be sourced from another country, the repair time can extend a bit. Always ensure you’re glad with the timeline provided by the repair shop before leaving your watch with them.